Response to bird flu outbreak is ‘robust,' CDC says, although risk to public remains low

Bird flu is affecting cattle herds in the US, resulting in the second known human case. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated that there has been no human-to-human transmission in the country, but cases of people contracting the virus from birds have been reported worldwide. The CDC confirmed that the risk to the general public is low but stated that they are taking the situation seriously. The latest case, in Texas, was mild, but severe illness and death are possible. The CDC is actively monitoring and responding to the situation. Authorities are testing individuals with potential symptoms. The CDC assured that existing products can detect and protect against the virus if it mutates and spreads among humans. Since January 2022, more than 82 million poultry in 48 states have been affected by bird flu, and cases have also been found in wild birds and several mammals. The virus has now been detected in cows, raising concerns among experts. Ranchers do not have to kill infected cows, and the virus is not a threat to humans through dairy products due to pasteurization. Measures are being taken to limit the impact of the virus on the food supply.